Latest news with #Demodexblepharitis
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Itchy eyes? It might be eyelash mites! Here's how to spot them
Okay, don't panic—but there might be tiny eight-legged creatures partying on your face right now. Specifically, your eyelashes. We're talking about eyelash mites, also known as Demodex. They're microscopic, they live on your lash follicles, and for most of us, they're basically invisible freeloaders... until they aren't. If your eyes have been extra itchy, red, crusty, or just plain irritated lately, it might be time to take a closer (but not too close!) look at what's crawling around your lashes. Let's get into the itchy, slightly gross, but super fascinating world of eyelash mites—what they are, how to know if you have them, and what the heck you're supposed to do about it. What exactly are eyelash mites? Eyelash mites are tiny arachnids (yes, they're technically in the same family as spiders) that live in the hair follicles of your face, especially around your eyes, nose, and eyebrows. There are two main types: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. The folliculorum ones are the real lash lovers, setting up camp at the base of your eyelashes and hanging out in your oil glands like it's their home. Now here's the kicker: most people have them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Studies show that by the time we hit our 60s, nearly everyone has some level of Demodex chilling on their face. Lovely, right? So… why do they itch? Good question. Most of the time, these mites are harmless and you won't even know they're there. But when they start multiplying faster than your plants during monsoon, they can cause some seriously annoying symptoms. An overgrowth of eyelash mites can lead to a condition called Demodex blepharitis, which is just a fancy way of saying 'your eyelids are inflamed because your mites have gone wild.' Here are some tell-tale signs you might have an uninvited mite infestation: Signs you might be hosting eyelash mites Persistent itchy eyes Not just the occasional "I watched too many sad TikToks" itch—this is a deep, constant irritation that makes you want to rub your eyes with sandpaper. Red, swollen eyelids If your eyelids are looking puffier than your last breakup text, that inflammation might be a sign of a mite overload. Crusty eyelashes (especially in the morning) Waking up with crusty lash lines or tiny flakes stuck to your lashes? That's not just sleep gunk—it could be mite droppings and dead skin cells. Yum. Loss of eyelashes When the mites take over the follicles, your lashes may start to fall out. So if you're seeing more stray lashes on your pillow than usual, it's a red flag. Watery eyes or blurred vision Chronic eye watering or mild blurring could be a result of inflammation caused by mites clogging your oil glands. A burning or gritty sensation It might feel like there's something stuck in your eye constantly, like a grain of sand that just won't quit. But wait—how did I get them? Short answer? You probably always had them. Long answer? Eyelash mites are transferred through skin-to-skin contact, shared towels, pillowcases, or even makeup. (Yes, borrowing mascara is basically inviting someone else's mites to join your lash line. Gross but true.) Your risk of an overgrowth increases if: You don't remove your makeup properly You have oily skin or rosacea You have a weakened immune system You use dirty makeup brushes You share eye products or cosmetics How do you know for sure? If you're suspicious your lashes are less solo and more mite party central, it's best to visit a dermatologist or ophthalmologist. They can use a microscope to check a sample of your lashes or skin and confirm whether Demodex is behind your symptoms. (Yes, it involves plucking a lash or two—but for the sake of your sanity, it's worth it.) What can you do about them? So, you've got mites. Not the end of the world. In fact, treating them is way less terrifying than it sounds. Here's how to kick those tiny freeloaders off your face: 1. Cleanse like a boss Use a gentle, tea tree oil-based cleanser specifically formulated for the eyes. Tea tree oil helps kill mites and reduce inflammation, but make sure it's properly diluted—raw tea tree oil is way too harsh near the eyes. 2. Practice hygiene Remove makeup every single night Wash your pillowcases and towels frequently Toss old eye makeup and avoid sharing cosmetics Clean your lash line daily with micellar water or eyelid wipes 3. Medicated creams or drops In more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe metronidazole, ivermectin, or other anti-parasitic treatments to bring things under control. 4. No more mascara sharing, ever We cannot stress this enough: stop lending your mascara or eyeliner to anyone. Just… no. Can you prevent eyelash mites? You can't completely prevent them—they're part of your skin's ecosystem—but you can keep their numbers in check. Keep your face clean and makeup-free when possible Use gentle exfoliants Maintain a healthy skincare routine Clean your makeup tools regularly (yes, even your lash curler) Now go give your lashes a gentle cleanse—and maybe side-eye that old mascara tube while you're at it. Here are a few FAQs on eyelash mites: Are eyelash mites contagious? Technically, yes. Close face contact, shared towels, or makeup can pass these little guys along. Think of it as the world's worst party favor. Can you see eyelash mites with the naked eye? Nope. They're microscopic. Unless your eyes come with a built-in microscope (jealous), you'll need a pro to confirm their presence. Do eyelash mites bite or sting? No bites, no stings—just face squatting. But they can irritate your follicles and trigger inflammation if they get out of hand. Is it normal to have eyelash mites? Totally. Most adults have them and don't even know it. It's like having a microscopic fan club. Just... less flattering. Can I get rid of them forever? Not really. You can reduce their numbers and keep them in check, but total eviction? Unlikely. They're here for the long haul—unless you give your face a solid skincare routine.
New Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Creepy Crawlies on Your Lids: The Truth About Demodex Mites
Remember the spine-chilling creatures from Stranger Things, The Mist, or A Quiet Place? What if we told you that something just as unsettling might be living right on your eyelids — not your eyelashes, but the skin around them? Sounds gross, right? But it's true. Demodex mites — microscopic, eight-legged intruders that make your eyelids their home. So what exactly are they, and should you be worried? Experts break it down for CE. 'Demodex mites, often called 'eye bugs,' are microscopic parasites that inhabit the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the eyelids,' explains Dr Bhanu Prakash, senior consultant, cataract, cornea, and refractive surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Hitec City. 'Though they're a natural part of the skin's ecosystem, problems begin when their population grows out of control, leading to a condition known as Demodex blepharitis,' says Dr Bhanu. According to Dr Deepti Mehta, senior ophthalmologist at CARE Hospitals, Hitec City, 'These mites feed on dead skin cells and oils around the lashes, which can result in symptoms like redness, itching, watering, a gritty sensation, and crust formation at the lash base. Left untreated, the condition can lead to blocked oil glands, misdirected lashes, eyelash loss, severe dry eyes, and even ulcers on the eye surface.' Dr Bhanu further warns, 'In severe cases, untreated infestations can cause permanent scarring or even vision loss, especially in people with underlying skin conditions like rosacea.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elanco Animal Health Sells Xdemvy Royalties To Blackstone in $295 Million Deal
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) on Monday announced the sale of certain future tiered royalties and commercial milestones associated with Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25% for the human health application of lotilaner to Blackstone Life Sciences and Blackstone Credit & Insurance for $295 million in cash. The company will use the proceeds to accelerate debt reduction, positioning Elanco to achieve an expected net leverage ratio of 3.9x to 4.3x adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2025. Also Read: Elanco Animal's Outlook Lags Street Expectations, But Analyst Sees Time For Elanco's Commercial Investment To Payoff Elanco will repay portions of its outstanding term loans on a pro-rata basis, which is expected to reduce interest expense by approximately $10 million, offset by the sale of approximately $10 million of royalties based on Elanco's initial 2025 guidance. In 2019, Elanco exclusively licensed lotilaner to Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TARS) for exploration as a solution to several unmet human health needs. In 2023, Xdemvy became the first lotilaner-based product approved for human use and the only FDA-approved medicine for Demodex blepharitis, a common eyelid disease in humans caused by Demodex mites. The agreement applies to certain tiered royalties associated with Xdemvy's U.S. net sales from April 2025 through August 2033 and certain commercial milestones. Elanco retains the rights to all royalty payments on net sales outside the U.S. and any future human applications of lotilaner beyond ophthalmic solutions. Elanco Animal Health is scheduled to release its first quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, May 7. Analysts expect adjusted earnings per share of 31 cents and sales of $1.21 billion, as per data from Benzinga Pro. Elanco Health Stock Prediction For 2025 Equity research analysts on and off Wall Street typically use earnings growth and fundamental research as a form of valuation and forecasting. But many in trading turn to technical analysis as a way to form predictive models for share price trajectory. Some investors look to trends to help forecast where they believe a stock could trade at a certain point in the future. Looking at Elanco Animal Health, an investor could make an assessment about a stock's long term prospects using a moving average and trend line. If they believe a stock will remain above the moving average, which many believe is a bullish signal, they can extrapolate that trend into the future using a trend line. For Elanco Animal Health, the 200-day moving average sits at $12.34, according to Benzinga Pro, which is above the current price of $9.75. For more on charts and trend lines, see a description here.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elanco Sells Royalty and Milestone Rights for Lotilaner in Human Health to Blackstone; Accelerates Debt Paydown
GREENFIELD, Ind., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) today announced the sale of certain future tiered royalties and commercial milestones associated with XDEMVY® (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25%, for the human health application of lotilaner, to funds affiliated with Blackstone Life Sciences and Blackstone Credit & Insurance for $295 million in cash. Monetization of this non-core asset will be used to accelerate debt reduction, positioning Elanco to achieve an expected net leverage ratio of 3.9x to 4.3x adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2025. Elanco will repay portions of its outstanding term loans on a pro-rata basis, which is expected to reduce interest expense by approximately $10 million, offset by the sale of approximately $10 million of royalties based on Elanco's initial 2025 guidance. In 2019, Elanco exclusively licensed lotilaner to Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: TARS) for exploration as a solution to several unmet human health needs. In 2023, XDEMVY became the first lotilaner-based product approved for human use and the only FDA-approved medicine for treatment of Demodex blepharitis (DB), a common eyelid disease in humans caused by Demodex mites. "Elanco's team of scientific experts is focused on identifying and developing molecules to generate high-impact innovation, not just in our own portfolio, but in adjacent industries to create broader value," said Jeff Simmons, Elanco President and CEO. "As we continue to focus on launching our recent innovation and accelerating our core business sales growth in 2025, this transaction delivers incremental cash that advances our deleveraging goals making high 3x net leverage a real possibility by the end of 2025. We appreciate Blackstone's collaborative investment to further Elanco's goals and their recognition of the positive potential impact of XDEMVY on millions of DB patients in the U.S." "Elanco's innovation served as the basis for XDEMVY's strong efficacy and safety profile, and Tarsus' executional strength has led to its rapid adoption and commercial success. We are pleased to partner with both leading pharmaceutical companies and back this first-in-class treatment that addresses a pervasive and damaging eyelid disease," said Craig Shepherd and Kiran Reddy, MD, Senior Managing Directors, Blackstone Life Sciences. The agreement applies to certain tiered royalties associated with the U.S. net sales of XDEMVY from April 2025 through August 2033 and certain commercial milestones. Elanco retains the rights to all royalty payments on net sales outside the U.S. as well as any future human applications of lotilaner beyond ophthalmic solutions. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as the sole structuring agent. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements concerning the expected financial impacts of the royalty sale on our financial results, plans for using the cash we receive in the sale, and expected financial results for 2025. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, including our ability to recognize the expected financial and cash generation benefits of the transaction and additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements described in the company's latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Qs filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this press release. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or to revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. ABOUT ELANCOElanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders and society as a whole. With 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to breaking boundaries and going beyond to help our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ sustainability pillars – all to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise. Learn more at About Blackstone Life SciencesBlackstone Life Sciences (BXLS) is an industry-leading private investment platform with capabilities to invest across the life cycle of companies and products within the key life science sectors. By combining scale investments and hands-on operational leadership, BXLS helps bring to market promising new medicines and medical technologies that improve patients' lives and currently has $12 billion in assets under management. About Blackstone Credit & Insurance Blackstone Credit & Insurance ("BXCI") is one of the world's leading credit investors. Our investments span the credit markets, including private investment grade, asset-based lending, public investment grade and high yield, sustainable resources, infrastructure debt, collateralized loan obligations, direct lending and opportunistic credit. We seek to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for institutional and individual investors by offering companies capital needed to strengthen and grow their businesses. BXCI is also a leading provider of investment management services for insurers, helping those companies better deliver for policyholders through our world-class capabilities in investment grade private credit. Investor Contact: Tiffany Kanaga (765) 740-0314 Contact: Colleen Dekker (317) 989-7011 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Elanco Animal Health Sign in to access your portfolio
